The Whipps Cross Joint Health Overview Scrutiny Committee met on 24 July 2024 to discuss the ongoing redevelopment of Whipps Cross Hospital and the Integrated Delivery Framework (IDF). The committee resolved to note the reports presented on both topics.

Whipps Cross Redevelopment Update

The committee received an update on the Whipps Cross Hospital redevelopment, noting that construction has begun on the first of two new multi-storey car parks, which is expected to take approximately 12 months. There remains uncertainty regarding the timeline for business case approval by the National Hospital Programme (NHP) following the general election, which impacts the indicative funding allocation and construction timeline for the new hospital. The Redevelopment Team is working to refresh proposals and aims for construction to commence in 2026, with completion in 2030. The Academic Centre for Health Ageing (ACHA) has been mobilised, with three internationally renowned academics recruited as professorial chairs. Applications for the ACHA's first PhD programmes are now open.

During discussions on the redevelopment, concerns were raised by public speakers Adrian Stannard and Geoffrey Wolfson regarding the potential reduction in bed capacity under the NHP's Minimum Viable Product (MVP) model and the need for a revised Health & Care Services Strategy that reflects current healthcare demands and involves service users. The committee sought assurances that the new hospital would provide sufficient bed capacity and that designs would accommodate future population growth and emerging clinical technologies. The Redevelopment Director confirmed that while the NHP dictates 100% single patient rooms, the Trust is working to incorporate this within existing constraints and that there is flexibility within the designs to increase the bed base. The committee also noted the importance of improving transport links to the hospital and collaborating with Transport for London (TfL).

IDF Annual Report

The committee reviewed the annual report on the Integrated Delivery Framework (IDF), which aims to improve health and care services across Waltham Forest and Redbridge. In Redbridge, the focus is on consistent service access, improving diagnosis rates for long-term conditions, and developing an urgent care model. Additional funding will support mental health services for children and young people. For Whipps Cross Hospital, transformation efforts are aligned with the redevelopment, focusing on Urgent and Emergency Care (UEC), patient flow, and outpatient activity. Improvements have been made through Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC), a Surgical Assessment Unit (SAU), and a Frailty Assessment Area. The move towards virtual wards and the Home First system has improved discharge efficiency.

In Waltham Forest, population health needs are informing service provision, with a focus on proactive care closer to home and reducing hospital admissions for high-risk individuals. The Rapid Response service has expanded, and a new Frailty Integrated Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Virtual Ward has launched. Recruitment of Complexity Hub staff is enabling proactive management of high-risk patients. Priorities for 2024/25 include a respiratory virtual ward and enhanced pathways for diabetes and hypertension.

Discussions also touched upon the bed base for the new hospital, with the Trust intending to re-evaluate previous demand and capacity models. The committee requested to receive information on the methodologies used to determine bed numbers. Concerns were also raised about the potential removal of the Margaret Centre, with assurances given that no firm decision had been made regarding end-of-life care services at Whipps Cross. The breast clinic will remain at Whipps Cross, and the Trust is exploring the return of chemotherapy services. The committee also expressed interest in the recruitment and retention of staff, noting that attractive roles and benefits are crucial.

Scrutiny Report and Forward Plan

The committee reviewed its forward plan and action tracker. It was proposed that an item on the Centre for Healthy Ageing be added to a future meeting. The Chair indicated he would submit an enquiry to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) regarding the financial details of the Whipps Cross scheme. The committee agreed to determine additional items for the work plan informally. The committee also noted the National Audit Office (NAO) & Public Accounts Committee (PAC) reports on the National Hospital Programme, which had been referenced by a public speaker.